Shrimp may be cooked in the shell or unshelled, but the shells add considerable flavor. Shelling is easy before or after cooking. A tug will pull the body shell from the tail. De-vein shrimp using a small pointed knife or the end of a toothpick.

Never overcook shrimp. If they are fresh, drop them into boiling stock or water. Reduce the heat at once and simmer 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them from the heat before they curl up. Drain at once to prevent overcooking. To cook frozen shrimp, drop them frozen into boiling stock or water and then count the time from when the stock comes to a boil again.